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Travelers to Hawaii don't need to limit themselves to visiting only one of the state's lush islands. Six of the eight major islands are open to tourists and locals, but Kaho’olawe, a former bombing range, and the privately-owned Ni’ihau are not. Most of the travel between these islands is done by small commercial airlines that offer multiple flights at reasonable prices daily. Two islands are linked by ferry, and private jets and boat charters are available if money isn't a concern.

Island-Hopping by Air

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu is the state’s main air hub, but each of the other islands accessible to tourists has at least one airport. Flights between Hawaiian Islands are typically short – some take as little as an hour – and economical.

Three main air carriers, Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air and Go! Mokulele Airlines handle most of the inter-island travel in Hawaii. A former carrier, Pacific Wings, ceased operations in 2013. Hawaiian Airlines, the carrier with the most extensive schedule, offers multiple direct flight options as well as island-to-island connecting flights.

Island Air flies frequent nonstop routes between the Big Island and Oahu, with hops from Oahu to Kauai and Maui.

The Go! and Mokulele merger in 2009 made the new airline the islands’ second-largest carrier. They fly daily between Honolulu and the Big Island, Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

Ferries in Hawaii

Inter-island ferry service is limited, in part due to the state’s strict rules regarding the environmental impact of ferry companies. Currently, Expeditions is the only company providing regular service. Round trips between Lahaina on Maui and the dock at Manele Harbor on Lanai depart five times a day. The ride takes from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on weather conditions. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. Expeditions will also arrange for activities like a round of golf or jeep rental on Lanai.

More Hawaiian Island-Hopping Options

If your travel mantra is “it’s the journey rather than the destination,” consider chartering a yacht, powerboat or small plane for your island-hopping – but be prepared to spend. Traveling from island to island by sea at your leisure allows time for snorkeling, whale watching or simply sunning on deck. Another luxurious choice is to sign up for an inter-island tour aboard a yacht. Charter jets with ground services like limousine transportation and catered meals get you from island to island in style.

Less costly options like on-demand inter-island air charters, usually in prop planes, provide a no-frills alternative to luxury travel.

About the Author

Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. Her offline credits include copy editing full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.